in Federal Court Permanently Bars Texas Tax Preparer from Preparing Tax Returns for Others By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 4 Sep 2013 14:55:59 EDT The Justice Department announced today that a federal court has permanently barred Nina Thompson Price from preparing federal tax returns for others. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Northern California Real Estate Investor Agrees to Plead Guilty to Bid Rigging at Public Foreclosure Auctions By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 5 Sep 2013 13:06:58 EDT A Northern California real estate investor has agreed to plead guilty for his role in conspiracies to rig bids and commit mail fraud at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Northern California. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Army Soldier Pleads Guilty in Denver to Bribery Charges for Facilitating Thefts of Fuel in Afghanistan By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 5 Sep 2013 16:02:40 EDT Former U.S. Army Specialist Stephanie Charboneau pleaded guilty today to bribery charges for her role in the theft of fuel at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fenty, near Jalalabad, Afghanistan, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Fourth Georgia Corections Officer Pleads Guilty in Inmate Beating Case By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 5 Sep 2013 18:23:39 EDT Today, the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced that Kadarius Thomas, a former member of the Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a former supervisor at Macon State Prison (MSP), in Oglethorpe, Ga., pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Department of Justice Reaches Settlement with Virginia School District to Ensure Equal Opportunites for English Language Learner Students By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 5 Sep 2013 18:27:46 EDT The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has reached a comprehensive settlement agreement with the Prince William County School District in Virginia to improve services for approximately 13,000 students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) and provide language access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents district-wide. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Owners of Home Health Companies and Patient Recruiter Plead Guilty in Miami for Role in $20 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 5 Sep 2013 17:12:33 EDT The owners and operators of several Miami home health care agencies and a patient recruiter pleaded guilty today in connection with a health care fraud scheme involving defunct home health care company Trust Care Health Services Inc. (Trust Care). Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Statement by Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer on Remedy to Address Apple’s Price Fixing of E-Books By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 6 Sep 2013 09:52:20 EDT “We’re pleased that the court has issued an order supporting the Department of Justice’s efforts to address Apple’s illegal price fixing conduct. Consumers will continue to benefit from lower e-books prices as a result of the department’s enforcement action to restore competition in this important industry," said Assistant Attorney General Baer. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Brooklyn Resident Pleads Guilty in Connection with $13 Million Kickback and Health Care Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 6 Sep 2013 17:11:56 EDT A Brooklyn, N.Y., resident pleaded guilty today for his role as a patient recruiter in a $13 million kickback and health care fraud scheme, the fourth defendant to plead guilty in the scheme based at the Cropsey Medical Care PLLC clinic in Brooklyn. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Alleging Auto Lending Discrimination in Los Angeles By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 6 Sep 2013 18:39:47 EDT The United States has settled a lawsuit alleging that an automobile dealership formerly doing business in Los Angeles violated the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) by charging non-Asian customers higher interest rate markups than other customers for a period of at least three years. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Justice Department to Monitor Elections in Ohio and New York By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 9 Sep 2013 15:29:16 EDT The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor elections on Sept. 10, 2013, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and in Queens County, N.Y. The monitoring will ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in the election process on the basis of race, color or membership in a minority language group. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Federal Racketeering Charges By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 9 Sep 2013 15:29:58 EDT A member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) gang pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges related to his membership in the ABT’s criminal enterprise, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Former Bernalilo County Corrections Officer Sentenced to Prison for Obstructing Justice By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 9 Sep 2013 18:55:00 EDT The Justice Department announced today that Kevin Casaus, 24, a former corrections officer at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced this morning to serve 15 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release for his conviction on obstruction of justice and falsification of records charges. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Staffing Company to Resolve Immigration-related Unfair Employment Practices By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 9 Sep 2013 18:56:54 EDT The Justice Department announced today that it reached an agreement with Kelly Services Inc., a staffing company based in Troy, Mich., resolving an allegation of discrimination based on citizenship status during the employment eligibility re-verification process at one of its branch locations in Schaumburg, Ill. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Former Lorain County Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Assaulting an Inmate By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 18:26:32 EDT A former Lorain County, Ohio corrections officer pleaded guilty today to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, announced Jocelyn Samuels, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in G.S. Electech Inc. Executive Indicted for Role in Bid Rigging and Price Fixing on Automobile Parts Installed in U.S. Cars By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:07:52 EDT A federal grand jury in Covington, Ky., has returned an indictment against G.S. Electech Inc. executive, Shingo Okuda for his role in an international conspiracy to fix prices and rig bids of auto parts used on antilock brake systems installed in U.S. cars. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Eight Defendants Plead Guilty in Los Angeles in Armenian Power Gang Case By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:12:01 EDT Four members and associates of the Armenian Power gang and four other individuals pleaded guilty late yesterday to charges relating to the activities of the Armenian Power criminal enterprise, including racketeering conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, drug-trafficking and illegal possession of firearms. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Former St. Louis Police Officer Indicted for Assaulting Two Juveniles and One Adult By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 18:06:42 EDT A federal grand jury in St. Louis has indicted Stan Lee Stanback, 47, a police officer formerly with the Velda City Police Department, on charges related to the assaults of two juveniles and one adult on Sept.17, 2008. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Department of Justice Ceremony Commemorating the Twelfth Anniversary of September 11, 2001 By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 08:38:15 EDT It is an honor to join so many friends and colleagues for today’s observance – as we mark the twelfth anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attacks ever carried out against the United States; remember the nearly 3,000 innocent people whose lives were lost; and pay tribute to the 72 brave law enforcement officers who were called, on that beautiful autumn morning, to make the ultimate sacrifice. Full Article Speech
in Mastermind of $11 Million Detroit Medicare Fraud Scheme Sentenced to 50 Months in Prison By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 15:18:02 EDT Muhammad Shahab, the mastermind of an almost $11 million Medicare fraud scheme in Detroit, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Former South Pittsburg, Tenn., Mayor and Co-conspirator Plead Guilty to Conducting Illegal Gambling Business By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 17:09:27 EDT A former mayor of South Pittsburg, Tenn., and a co-conspirator pleaded guilty today in Chattanooga, Tenn., to conducting an illegal gambling business, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Moore of the FBI’s Knoxville, Tenn., Field Office. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Massachusetts Businessman Indicted for Tax Crimes By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 17:46:27 EDT The Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that Richard L. Furnelli, formerly of Holyoke and South Hadley, Mass., was indicted today in Springfield, Mass. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Former Airline Executive Sentenced to Prison for Schemes to Defraud Illinois-Based Ryan International Airlines By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 18:37:37 EDT A former executive of Ryan International Airlines, a charter airline company located in Rockford, Ill., was sentenced today to serve 87 months in prison and to pay restitution for participating in kickback schemes to defraud Ryan. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Justice Department Files Lawsuit Alleging Disability-based Discrimination at Helena, Mont., Apartment Complex By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 09:34:42 EDT The Justice Department filed a lawsuit yesterday against the owners, builders and designers of an eight unit apartment complex at 175 and 195 Silsbee Avenue in Helena, Mont. for violations of the Fair Housing Act. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in North Carolina Woman Sentenced for Preparing False Tax Returns and Identity Fraud By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 14:35:39 EDT The Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that yesterday Leslie Louise Brewster of Durham, N.C. was sentenced to serve 70 months in federal prison for crimes related to preparing false tax returns and identity fraud. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Former Navy Reservist Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Multiple Minors to Produce Child Pornography By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 15:24:58 EDT Anthony K. Mastrogiovanni, 30, of Crofton, Md., was sentenced today to serve 25 years in prison for sexually exploiting more than 30 male juveniles – ranging from 9 to 16 years of age – in Maryland and Louisiana to produce child pornography. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Florida Doctors, Hospitals and Clinics to Pay $3.5 Million to Settle Allegations of Improper Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE Billing By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 16:07:39 EDT Radiation oncology providers in Pensacola, Fla., will pay $3.5 million to the government and the state of Florida to resolve allegations that they billed Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE – the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees and their families worldwide – for radiation oncology services that were not eligible for payment. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the 50th Anniversary of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing By www.justice.gov Published On :: Sun, 15 Sep 2013 17:01:37 EDT We come together today because we’re still striving, as they once did, to realize the dream that Dr. King shared with us 50 years ago last month – on the steps of a memorial to America’s Great Emancipator – when he spoke of an Alabama where children of all races and backgrounds would be able to play together, to learn together, and to grow together. Full Article Speech
in Colorado Security Contractor Resolves Overcharging Allegations Related to Its Work in Iraq and Afghanistan By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 18:06:57 EDT The Macalan Group Inc., formerly known as NEK Advanced Securities Inc. (NEK), a security contractor headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., has agreed to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims in connection with a contract with the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). Full Article OPA Press Releases
in High-level Colombian Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 194 Months in Prison By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 17:10:55 EDT Jose Maria Corredor-Ibague, aka “Boyaco,” a high-level drug trafficker and supporter of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), has been sentenced in Washington, D.C., to serve 194 months in prison. Corredor-Ibague was the first person in the nation to be indicted under the federal narco-terrorism statute, which became law in March 2006. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Former Alabama Real Estate Investor Pleads Guilty to Making False Statement in Connection with Real Estate Foreclosure Auction Investigation By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 15:28:57 EDT A former investor in the Alabama real estate foreclosure auctions industry pleaded guilty today to one count of making false statements. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in “No Show” Doctor Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison in Connection with $77 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 17:39:23 EDT Gustave Drivas, M.D., 58, of Staten Island, N.Y., was sentenced to serve 151 months in prison for his role as a “no show” doctor in a $77 million Medicare fraud scheme. The State of New York revoked Dr. Drivas’s medical license earlier this year. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Attorney General Eric Holder Releases Statement on the Washington Navy Yard Shooting By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 17:54:00 EDT The Attorney General issued the following statement today in the wake of the tragedy at the Washington Navy Yard. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Alabama Man Indicted for Multi-Year Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 18:04:56 EDT An indictment was unsealed today in Montgomery, Ala., charging Nakia Jackson with conspiracy to file false tax returns, theft of public funds and aggravated identity theft. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Associate Attorney General Tony West Delivers Remarks at the FY 2013 Cops Hiring Program Announcement By www.justice.gov Published On :: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 14:08:56 EDT It is our hope – it’s definitely our belief – that these resources will offer public safety agencies here in Oakland and throughout California some much-needed assistance to address major issues like homicides, gang crimes, youth violence, and crimes against children. Full Article Speech
in Commercial Fisherman Charged with Witness Tampering Related to an Investigation into the Illegal Harvesting of Striped Bass By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 11:23:49 EDT Michael D. Hayden Jr., 41, of Tilghman’s Island, Md., was arrested yesterday on charges of witness tampering and retaliation in connection with an investigation of felony Lacey Act violations related to the illegal harvesting of striped bass from the Chesapeake Bay. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Obama Administration Announces a Coordinated Effort to Protect Consumers by Preventing and Detecting Potential Fraud in the Health Insurance Marketplace By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 12:10:18 EDT Attorney General Eric Holder, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Edith Ramirez met at the White House to kick off a comprehensive interagency initiative to prevent, protect against, and where necessary prosecute consumer fraud and privacy violations in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in UBS Securities Japan Co. Ltd Sentenced for Long-running Manipulation of Libor By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 14:03:57 EDT UBS Securities Japan Co. Ltd. (UBS Securities Japan), an investment bank, financial advisory securities firm and wholly-owned subsidiary of UBS AG, was sentenced today for its role in manipulating the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), a leading benchmark used in financial products and transactions around the world. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Six Individuals, Three Corporations Charged in Indiana-based Biofuels Fraud Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 16:08:01 EDT The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana announced today the return of two indictments against six individuals and three companies for offenses involving federal renewable fuel programs, allegedly creating losses to victims totaling more than $100 million. The 88 counts included in the three charging documents include allegations of conspiracy, wire fraud, false tax claims, false statements under the Clean Air Act, obstruction of justice, money laundering and securities fraud. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Tennessee Federal Court Bars the Owners of Mo’ Money Taxes from Owning, Operating, Licensing or Franchsing a Tax Return Preparation Business and Preparing Tax Returns for Others By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 17:28:27 EDT A federal court in Memphis, Tenn., permanently barred the owners of Mo’ Money Taxes, Markey Granberry and Derrick Robinson, as well as a former Mo’ Money manager, Eumora Reese, from preparing tax returns for others and owning or operating a tax return preparation business, the Justice Department announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Maine Resident Pleads Guilty to Engaging in Cyber “Sextortion” of New Hampshire Victim By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 17:18:07 EDT A Maine resident pleaded guilty today in federal court to engaging in a type of cyberstalking known as “sextortion.” Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Rhino Horn Trafficker Arrested and Detained By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 17:39:52 EDT A federal magistrate judge in Brooklyn detained an Irish national who was arrested on Saturday and charged in a complaint for false labeling in connection with his alleged role in international rhinoceros horn smuggling in violation of the Lacey Act. The arrest and charge is a result of “Operation Crash,” a nationwide effort led by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute those involved in the black market trade of endangered rhinoceros horns. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Texas Leader of Latin Kings Street Gang Sentenced in Indiana to 262 Months in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy By www.justice.gov Published On :: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 18:06:11 EDT A Texas leader of the Latin Kings street gang was sentenced today in Hammond, Ind., to serve 262 months in prison for racketeering conspiracy. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Associate Attorney General Tony West Delivers Remarks at the Native American Issues Subcommittee Meeting By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 11:10:07 EDT Every U.S. Attorney with jurisdiction in Indian country has now appointed at least one tribal liaison, and we’ve designated a Native American Issues Coordinator to provide advice and assistance to U.S. Attorneys’ Offices on legal and policy issues. Full Article Speech
in Halliburton Pleads Guilty to Destruction of Evidence in Connection with Deepwater Horizon Disaster and Is Sentenced to Statutory Maximum Fine By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 12:28:53 EDT Halliburton Energy Services Inc. (Halliburton) pleaded guilty today to destroying evidence pertaining to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster and was sentenced to the statutory maximum fine, the Justice Department announced. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Citgo Agrees to Reduce Air Pollution and Pay Penalty to Resolve Clean Air Act Violations at Two Refineries By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 12:45:23 EDT The Department of Justice and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Houston-based CITGO Petroleum Corp. (CITGO) has agreed to pay a $737,000 civil penalty and to implement projects to reduce harmful air pollution, resolving alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) at its petroleum refining facilities located in Lemont, Ill., and Lake Charles (Westlake), La. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Two Fujikura Ltd. Executives Indicted for Roles in Fixing Prices on Automobile Parts Sold to Subaru to Be Installed in U.S. Cars By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:54:13 EDT A federal grand jury in Detroit returned an indictment against two Fujikura Ltd. executives for their roles in an international conspiracy to fix prices of auto parts used in automotive wire harnesses sold to Subaru and installed in U.S. cars. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Massachusetts Man Indicted in Providence for Tax Fraud By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 17:06:46 EDT The Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that a federal grand jury in Providence, R.I., returned a five-count indictment yesterday charging John Fall of Milton, Mass., with one count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the IRS, one count of tax evasion and three counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false corporate and individual tax returns. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Criminal Justice Issues Forum By www.justice.gov Published On :: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 12:28:51 EDT America’s criminal justice system is in need of targeted reform. Throughout this country, too many Americans are trapped – and too many communities are weakened – by a vicious cycle of poverty, criminality, and incarceration. Too many people go to too many prisons for far too long – and for no truly good law enforcement reason. The U.S. prison population has grown at an astonishing rate over the last three decades – by almost 800 percent since 1980, despite the fact that America’s overall population has increased by only about a third. Full Article Speech
in Texas Refinery Will Pay $8.75 Million for Failing to Comply with Enforcement Settlement to Resolve Air Violations By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 12:42:13 EDT Total Petrochemical USA Inc. (Total) will pay an $8.75 million penalty for failing to comply with the terms of a 2007 settlement with the United States that resolved alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its Port Arthur, Texas, refinery, the Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. Full Article OPA Press Releases
in Dominican National Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison in Puerto Rican Identity Trafficking Scheme By www.justice.gov Published On :: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 15:31:34 EDT A Dominican national was sentenced today to serve 42 months in prison for her role in trafficking the identities of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and corresponding identity documents Full Article OPA Press Releases